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Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Toledo OH, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of prospective students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they look for several online options as well. Although these are important initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Toledo OH employers often desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a vital part of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist schools have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you select offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Toledo OH dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental schools you are evaluating sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal method to get hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require assistance getting their first job. Ask if the colleges you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Toledo OH dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Find out from the colleges you are interested in how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Toledo OH dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of colleges, don't forget to include all of the costs associated with your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Toledo OH area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while getting your education and have to attend classes near Toledo OH at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family responsibilities.
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